Meat Loaf Puff
A hearty meat loaf topped with fresh tomato slices and melted American cheese, combining savory flavors and comforting textures, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 6 slices American cheese ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk.
- Stir in soft bread crumbs, chopped onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Add ground beef and mix well.
- Put the meat mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Arrange peeled and sliced tomato slices atop the partially baked meat loaf.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Cover with slices of American cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor. Make sure to drain the fat after the initial baking to prevent a greasy dish, similar to how you would for recipes like Hot Cheese Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf puff with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Beef Soup(Made With Ground Beef) for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, try serving it in sandwich form with some crusty bread and your favorite condiments.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf puff can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Puff contains roughly 1712 calories, with 67g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (134% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2101mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of American cheese?
Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor. Each cheese will add its unique taste and meltability, enhancing the dish. Just make sure to slice it thinly to ensure even melting.
What can I serve with meat loaf puff?
Meat loaf puff goes well with sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple garden salad. You could also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a heartier meal. Consider pairing with a tangy sauce or ketchup for added flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can add flavor and nutrition to the meat mixture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well. This addition can elevate the dish, similar to adding vegetables in Hodgepodge Soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).